A victims rights advocate escorted McDowell's family members out of Fulton County Jail on Thursday. They had hoped to see Palmer in person, but the suspect waived his first court appearance.
"Mr. McDowell was a very loving person, extremely loving, and was a saved, God-fearing Christian man," said Sunshine Lewis of the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
Family members have surrounded McDowell's wife and two children for comfort. McDowell was not only a member, but worked at the church. Several members of the megachurch said the 39-year-old victim was a strong man of faith, who often arrived early and was last to leave.
The man accused of killing McDowell was also a former church employee. Palmer resigned his post at the south Fulton County church earlier this year.
In a church service streamed over the internet Wednesday night, founder and pastor Creflo Dollar talked about McDowell 's faith.
"We didn't lose a friend, we didn't lose a brother…I know exactly where he is," said Dollar.
Police say Palmer and McDowell knew each other, but investigators have not determined a motive in the shooting yet.
McDowell's family told FOX 5 that they are not ready to comment on the shooting.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:25:16 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:11:47 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:21:22 GMT
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. On Thursday, Parson was convicted of shooting his wife, Adina, eight times in 2012.
A judge has sentenced Michael Parson to the maximum of 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his wife. During an emotional sentencing hearing on Friday morning, Parson's mother told the court she still doesn't believe he is the shooter.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
FOX 5 News has learned that Reverend Creflo Dollar, the well known pastor of an Atlanta-area mega church, has been arrested on a family violence charge.
